Is this normal?

[ElleCee]

I have had my machine for 2 weeks now and I have suddenly taken a huge step backwards.
Before cpap I was waking 8 - 12 times a night for the loo. With cpap it went down to 2 times. Last 2 nights it has gone back up to 8+ times.
When I use the machine I feel like I can't get anough air. I have to put on the ceiling fan in my bedroom so that the air I breathe is cooler and I can feel it more which helps a bit. I tried sleeping without cpap but it is really scarey because I wake up properly gasping every minute. I wasn't aware of doing that before now.
I am also back to having nightmares (not dreams) like I used to get befoere cpap.
I checked the machine was still working properly and it is, it just feels like it isn't. I don't have any obvoius leaks that I can tell of.

Is this a normal thing to happen as you settle into the routine of using it?
Any suggestions?
Lorraine

[Tigers Fan]

Normal?

Hi Lorraine

It's perfectly normal that he road to heaven is not a steady line but a series of easy and then hard bits. What causes the hard bits, eight trips per night to the loo, is the question.

If your machine is working fine and you have no significant leaks, I'm guessing what has changed is you. No. 1 change in you has to be sleeping position - like suddenly you have decided to sleep on your back. If not that, have you added or removed any CPAP kit - chin strap, RemZzzs, etc?
Have the nights warmed up of late where you are? Bit of tossing and turning, finishing on your back? and/or a knocked mask?

Ses if you can catch yourself on waking - notice your position, mask fit, are you hot or cold, etc.

TF

[silvercarper]

When my nightmares return I know that something is wrong.
I do think it is worth contacting your clinic for advice.
As TF said it could be something you are doing different or something you have altered like the humidifier settings.
My consultant does not believe me that CPAP has stopped my nightmares so its good to hear that CPAP has started to help you. I thought I was the only one !!!

[dog tired]

I have an oxygen machine also and I hated the warm air so I but it in the coolest room and its much better.Regards Joan

[dogman]

dreams

When I mentioned to Papworth that I was having a lot of dreams they said it was because I was waking while in rem.
So I see it as not being good having lots of dreams.

[ElleCee]

Thanks for the tips, I have spoken to the hospital and they will see me tomorrow.
I feel like I did before cpap even though I am using it. I presume they will just ratch it up a notch.
I will let you know what happens when I get back

Lorraine

[ElleCee]

Hiya,
Just got back from clinic.
The doctor has changed the settings that were at 4 rising to 10.
New setting is 7 rising to 12. He has also asked that I wear the oximeter thingy on Sunday night to measure all the blips and I am to take it back to him at 7:30 on Monday morning along with my machine so that he can make any other adjustments there and then.
He did also say that because of the asthma it was difficult to get the settings right and that they had started me off on low so that I had time to get used to it. I also have to go back to using a nebuliser at night to help open my airways.
Tonight will be interesting
Roll on bedtime is all I can say!

On another note, I was going to wait untill I am off the steriods before starting my diet but have decided that another week of eating is not helping me so tomorrow morning hails the first day of my VLC diet. If I can give up smoking surely I can give up eating? LOL
I wonder if I will be brave enough to post my weight on here.... hmmm, I will think about it
Happy days!
Lorraine

[ElleCee]

Things are looking better, I only woke twice last night.
I also saw my GP yesterday and she informs me that I have been accepted by the pct for bariatric surgery but it scares me silly, so will do the diet anyway and see how I get on while I am waiting. I have dieted many times before but feel that I may well have failed because of the OSA, now it is getting sorted I think I have a better chance so this is my last attempt to do it myself.
I also ordered a wii bike to try and get some exercise, I can't walk due to spinal stenosis and the asthma doesn't help either.

[Tigers Fan]

At least one before you!

Hi Lorraine

Forum member Puffin has had huge success with surgery so much so he chucked away his CPAP! MAybe reading his posts would calm your mind.

TF

[ElleCee]

Thanks TF,
Unfortunately I have been told by my OSA doctor that I will have OSA forever as the cause is not my weight even though I am FAT.
I might leave a message for Puffin though cos it's the thought of surgery or more acurately the anaesthetic that scares me most.

I will be slim though, I am on day 2 of the Kee Plan VLC diet and so far so good. Wii cyberbike arrives tomorrow

Cheers
Lorraine